Friday November 13, 2020 will be remembered in the Cameroonian music industry, if not for what was shared amongst Industry Stakeholders and partakers today, then it would at least be about the initiative to bring established influential industry partakers to save the future of the industry. Music Business in the industry for years has been lagging, more focus had been laid on production/the show, than on marketing and distribution (the Business).A round of applause to the Muzikol team for giving birth to such an initiative that will go on to impact the music industry and eventually maximize opportunities for more profit making projects.
Today was scheduled as day one of the Muzikol Awards at Ni’s Kitchen in Douala strictly a Fireside for a Music Business talk ahead of tomorrow proper event which is the award ceremony at the Bercy Hall in Douala. The event that was set to begin at 9:00 am accroding to the organizers program, somehow disappointed with the late start, which seems to be a popular thing with most Cameroonian events.
It would go on to begin at 11:00am, with a brief intro from the brain behind the initiative, Nges Brian, who handed the mic to the day saver, moderator, an audible and time conscious MC of the day, Kwoh Elonge. You most have known him for his objectivity on Freaky Table Elonge’s intro after he grabs the mic did signal some frustration, may be because of the late start, given that he was there on time as La Fleur who was supposed to accompany him in moderating, went missing, but Kwoh definitely made peace this aspect and turned night into day.
That’s the ability of men who ride a bike without a chain.The panel of speakers would feature Jules Nya, Don Jumper, Amah Bertrand, Miss Gina, Dr. Nkeng Stephens Javnyuy Joybert and PhillBill, just to name a few (at least for now). Don Jumper who’s been a fervent contributor for the industry grabs the mic and at least begun by appreciating the fact that the industry has taken a U-turn and the growth so far has been impressive. The One who’s behind the Access Africa program on popular proportional TV channel, Boom TV could with honesty not hide his emotions about the mistakes artists and music business partakers make which he believes can be amended.
The next speaker of the day would be Jules Nya, a backbone in new and old generation of the Artist management sector, who has managed some big names in the industry. An enlightened Jules did touch some sensitive points which not everyone present didn’t seem to adhere to, but did do so unapologetically, speaking from his experience, and urging the new artist to put more focus on building their art rather depending alone on support from bigger artists. He did go on to emphasize on the aspect of respect that must prevail in the music industry for progress to take its place. Another undiluted point that would indirectly cause controversy was the aspect that Cameroon still needs a sound of its own. However many felt that, with Makossa as a Cameroonian sound, all that would be demanded from the industry is rebranding of the sound that is already available and more focus thrown on the marketing and distribution.
A motivated Dr. Nkeng Stephens who’s unarguably the most awarded videographer in the Industry, grabs the Mic and as usual, his temperament doesn’t change, he Recounts his journey about how he started From “Nothing” to where he is today, but encourages(d) everyone in the music industry to stay woke and steady (Focused) and consistent with whatsoever they do, and they can eventually hit unimaginable heights with time.
This was followed by a rare and remarkable Javnyuy Joybert who doesn’t make any mistakes or swallow his own words when he appeared forth. This is a brain that has at least nine years of experience, dealing with the cooperate world and the music industry as a whole. He needs no intro, does he? Joybert was by a mile, one of the best decisions/picks of the day, less controversial and more factual, giving out simple-sounding strategies that have been highly neglected or not fully applied by the artists, which he believes that if embraced and applied, could cause a shift in the Music industry and eventually boost productivity.He suggested the following:
– Artist should attend Business events to get more knowledge about how the industry functions.- Artist should create professional CVS, which is one of the key components missing.
– Artist could use their influence more, to remain sustainable, this is by creating a community which keeps them relevant.
– Branding and more learning/reading of books and journals to discover the change in the industry were key points raised.
The Music Business fireside was graced with some performances from some uprising artists who make a bold statement on stage. The first artist to come on stage for a brief performance is ex-Biggy 237 contestant, arguably one of the most loved of all contestants. He had the chance to Perform a few of his songs and though he sounded great while performing, the crowd seem not too interested, but you might have thought they were tired till a certain Savji came up.
Savji Stole the Day with all Due respect. Someone said Savji Damji was talented, but the Said, didn’t make mention of how respectful and how much of a natural crowd puller he could be. If there was one person who moved attendees from their feet, then it could only be Savji today. First things first after grabbing the Mic, he connects with the crowd whom he had been interacting with before his performance. He was wearing a “Bamenda Boy” brand, went memorial about the loss of the kids in Kumba and everyone who has been downed by the ongoing crisis and sought for a minute of silence, which the reciprocal crowd didn’t deny him. He then stirred up the entire Ni’s entertainment lounge with what experience, passion and talent has rendered him, and that was nothing short of a spectacular performance. He did perform some of his tracks and then spiced it up with his Cover of Jovi’s “Don 4 Kwat” and you cannot dare deny that he made the highlights.
It was a hectic and long day, dedicated for a Music business talk and this is not where it ended and as such, I will label this as part 1 or my review. Part 2 of my review will be about the Muzikol Awards scheduled to take place tomorrow. If it turns out to be anything as productive as todays business forum, then we are in for a good time!
